21 Days Island Peak Climbing

Overview

The Island Peak Climbing is an expedition to climb one of the beautiful peaks in the periphery of the Everest Region. The peak, also known as the Imja Tse, is situated on the pinnacle of the Chukhung Glacier. The glacier connects the Ama Dablam and the Lhotse peaks and is located such that the physical property has made the climbing tougher. With the peak at the heart of the Khumbu region, the climb to the peak seems as a moderate climbing peak in the Region. Its name was given by Eric Shipton in 1951. He gave it the name because it reminded him of an island in a sea of ice.

The climbing to the Island Peak offers its visitors a chance to ascend one of the royal Himalayas of the Great Himalayan Trails. This trip also offers you a chance to hike towards the Everest Base Camp and summit the 5545 meters high Kala Patthar.
You will get rewarded along the way as you hike up towards the top of the peak. The top offers fantastic views of the Dudh Koshi Valleys down below and the panorama of peaks along the horizon. The months of April to May in the Spring and October to November in Autumn is considered as the best seasons to summit the high peak of Imja Tse.

During the peak climbing expedition, you will not only be blessed with the views, you will also be blessed with the culture and antiquity of the region. All along the way, you will be able to enjoy the Sherpa culture and tradition. Also, explore one of the oldest monasteries of the region, the Tengboche Monastery, before ending the expedition.

Day 01 Arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu (1350M/4,429ft)

Welcome to the land of Himalayan at 1350m. You will be warmly welcomed by Pigeon Travel representative and escorted to your hotel. Rest of the day free for your Personal activities.

FoodsNo Meals

Altitude1350m

Accommodation3 Star Hotel

Day 02 Preparation, Trip Briefings and last minute Shoppings

The warm day will be very joyful. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Department of Tourism (DoT) for trip briefing, permits, and necessary documentation.

FoodsBreakfast Only

Altitude1350m

Accommodation3 Star Hotel

Day 03 Flight to Lukla, trek to Phakding (2650m/8,694ft, 4hrs).

Early in the morning, board a flight to the Lukla Airport, also commonly known as Tenzing-Hillary Airport. It will be a marvelous mountain flight and the flight itself can be no less than an adventure. In less than 30 minutes, you will reach Lukla while enjoying the breathtaking views of the mountains during the flight. After landing at Lukla, you will take a light breakfast and embark on the trek. In around 3 hours, you will reach the Phakding village.

Walking Hour4 hours

FoodsAll Meals

Altitude2650m

AccommodationLocal Guest houses

Day 04 Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,286ft, 6hrs).

Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,286ft, 6hrs).

Walking Hour6 hours

FoodsAll Meals

Altitude3440m

AccommodationLocal Guest Houses

Day 05Rest at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization.

As the altitude will now increase significantly, a day for acclimatization is paramount and strictly advisable for prospective trekkers. Explore the local Bazaar of Namche or visit the nearby Sherpa villages to experience the culture and lifestyle of the local people. If you are not much tired, you can join for a few hours hike to visit the Hotel Everest View (HEV) for a great panoramic view of the Mount Everest, Mount Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and such others. Located at an altitude of 3900m, HEV is highest altitude Hotel in the world.

Walking Hour2 Hours

FoodsAll Meals

Altitude3440m

AccommodationLocal Guest houses

Day 06 Trek from Namche to Tengboche (3850m/12,631ft, 5-6 hrs)

The next day, after breakfast, you need to stretch your body and warm up for trekking from Namche to Tengboche. On the way, you can visit many significant views of the Buddhist Monasteries. Slowly the altitude will incline but you won’t feel the difference since you will be busy in soaking yourself in the beauty of the nature and capturing them in your heart and mind and of course, your camera as well.

Walking Hour6 Hours

FoodsAll Meals

Altitude3850m

AccommodationLocal Guest Houses

Day 07Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4350m/14271ft, 4hrs)

On the Seventh day, trek to Dingboche as it is one of the most famous places in the Khumbu Region. All the trekkers and climbers take rest before they set out for Mount Everest or other Himalayas. People who live in Dingboche have their main occupation as tourism, especially by running lodges or tenting areas. You can meet local people, interact with them about their customs and traditions. Be a part of their memory by establishing friendly relationship.

This day is planned for acclimatization purposes. We will hike towards Nangkartshang peak which is just above the Dingboche Village. The peak is an excellent viewpoint from where we can see the gorgeous Ama Dablam peak, if the weather is clear. Overnight in a tea house in Dingboche.

Walking Hour4 hours

FoodsAll Meals

Altitude5083m

AccommodationLocal Guest Houses

Day 09Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4730m/15,518ft, 3hrs)

The beautiful morning begins with a full charge of energy and encouragement to climb up along the Khumbu Khola Valley and Khumbu Glacier. Trekking through the boulder-strewn slope takes you to Chupki Lhara, a ridge from where you get beautiful views of the high peaks of the Mahalangur Mountain Range. You will be exposed to the memorials of a famous Mountaineer Scott Fischer and Babu Chiri Sherpa which may inspire you to step ahead to conquer the dream of the Everest Base Camp. From here, the trail steps down to the Khumbu glacial moraine confronting the closer views of several gigantic white peaks such as the Khumbutse, Lingtren, Pumori, and Mahalangur Himal. Nuptse towers over your right as we cross the Khumbu Glacier and reach Lobuche, the last destination of today’s trek.

Walking Hour3 Hours

FoodsAll Meals

Altitude4730m

AccommodationLocal Guest Houses

Day 10 Trek to Everest Base Camp (5,365 m) and then Back to Gorak Shep (5,180 m) - 8 hours

The trail pushes your steps towards Thangma Riju for a 360-degree view of the mountains where you can catch the very first glimpse of the Kala Patthar before reaching Gorak Shep. After you reach Gorak Shep, you will proceed to the Everest Base Camp to get mesmerizing views of the Nuptse, Khumbuste, and Pumori today. Stay for a few hours in the lap of the Mt. Everest and capture the views of the surroundings of Base Camp. Offer the prayer flags in the memory of your family and friends and step back towards Gorak Shep.

Walking Hour8 Hours

FoodsAll Meals

Altitude5180m

AccommodationLocal Guest houses

Day 11Early in the Morning Hike Up to Kala Patthar (5,555m ) and Trek Down to Pheriche (4,200m) - 7 hours

Don’t be upset for not being able to view the face of the Mt. Everest from the base camp, our guide from Great Nepal treks will provide you the opportunity to look at the face closer. Climb towards the head of the Kala Patthar for a panoramic sunrise view over the glowing face of Mt Everest. This is the highlight of the trip and includes the classic view of the entire Everest Range and surrounding peaks including 4 of the world’s highest peaks all over 8000m. Be aware of keeping few spaces of your camera for other sceneries too. Though it is very hard for you to disconnect with the situation that you are enjoying, you need to head down towards Pheriche for overnight.

Walking Hour7 hours

FoodsAll Meals

Altitude5555m

AccommodationLocal Guest Houses

Day 12Trek from Periche to Chukhung (4730m/15,518ft, 3hrs).

From Pheriche, you will take a route to Dingboche, and then ascend to the Chukhung Valley. The walk today, offers you 360-degree views of the high peaks of the Mahalangur Mountain Range.

Today you will have relatively easy day from Chukung to the Island Peak Base Camp. The trail crosses through the river and follows the valley for approx. 3 hours, passing below the south face of Lhotse.

Walking Hour4 Hours

FoodsAll Meals

Altitude5087m

AccommodationTented camp

Day 14 Trek to High Camp (5,400m/17716ft, 5hrs)

After the tight sleep and warm breakfast, you will take your trekking one step further of your destiny, High Camp. Approximately, it will take 5 hours trekking to reach the high camps if the weather is in a good condition.

Walking Hour5 hours

FoodsAll meals

Altitude5400m

AccommodationTented camp

Day 15 Summit Island Peak (6,187 m) and return to Base Camp (5240m)

Today be prepared for the Island Peak Summit Push. Our Sherpas will lead you to the gully above camp and ascend through the narrow ridge for about an hour. Later you will cross the glacier, the most exciting part of your climbing. Prepare yourself with crampons, rope, and harness. From here, you have to climb steep slopes which leads you to summit the ridge. Fresh air and gigantic vistas of Mt Lhotse (South face). Retrace the same trail down while descending to the base camp.

Descend to Pangboche from the Island Peak Base Camp enjoying the Glacier Lake views. You will have your lunch at the Dingboche Village. After a couple of hours trek, you will reach the village of Pangboche. Overnight in a tea house in Pangboche. Descend to Pangboche from the Island Peak Base Camp enjoying the Glacier Lake views. You will have your lunch at the Dingboche Village. After a couple of hours trek, you will reach the village of Pangboche.

Walking Hour6 hours

FoodsAll Meas

Altitude5240m

AccommodationLocal Guest Houses

Day 17 Trek from Pangboche to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,286ft, 5hrs)

After breakfast, climb up through the Rhododendron forest until you reach Tengboche. From here, descend to the Dudh Koshi River Bridge at Phunki Tenga and further until you reach Namche. Enjoy your last day at the beautiful Sherpa Hub.

Walking Hour5 Hours

FoodsAll Meals

Altitude3440m

AccommodationLocal Guest Houses

Day 18 Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2840m/9,317ft, 6hrs)

After breakfast, you will return to the place from where you began your trekking. In the afternoon, just relax and enjoy a hot shower flashing back the memories of the trek.

Walking Hour6 Hours

FoodsAll Meals

Altitude2840m

AccommodationLocal Guest Houses

Day 19 Fly back from Lukla to Kathmandu

Early morning, you will board a flight back to Kathmandu while enjoying the 30-minutes of exhilarating mountain flight. Upon arrival, you will be transfer to your Hotel.

Walking HourFly hours 45 Minutes

FoodsBreakfast Only

Altitude1350m

Accommodation3 Star Hotel

Day 20 Explore the real essence of Kathmandu valley at a glance

Today, you will have a full day sightseeing tour of the Kathmandu Valley. Our trip today consists of the Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swoyambhunath (Monkey temple) and the Patan City (The City of Fine Arts). Kathmandu Durbar Square is a complex of palaces, courtyards and temples built between the 12th and 18th centuries. The palace used to be the seat of the ancient Malla Kings of Kathmandu. The Great Stupa of Swoyambhunath stands on a hill to the west of Kathmandu. Its name stands for “The Self-created, Self-existent Buddha” also known as the Monkey Temple. Similarly, Patan City is noted for its craftsmen and metal workers. The diversity of the medieval culture that allowed both Hinduism and Buddhism to flourish has left a rich legacy of impressive sightseeing in this city for all of the visitors both internal and external.

FoodsBreakfast Only

Altitude1350m

Accommodation3 Star hotel

Day 21Final Departure from Kathmandu

Sadly, your most memorable journey comes to an end today. Our Office representative will guide you to the airport some 3 hours before the flight. Have a safe journey ahead.

Walking Hour-

FoodsBreakfast Only

Altitude-

Accommodation-

Services Included

All arrival and departure transfer services to and from Airport both Domestic and International

Teahouse/Lodge and tented accommodation during trekking and climbing session

Daypack/backpack of 35 to 50 liters for carrying your valuables, should have good shoulder padding

Small padlocks for duffel-kit bags

2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional)

Medical

Small, personal first-aid kit (simple and light)

Aspirin, first-aid tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)

1 skin-blister repair kit

Anti-diarrhea pills

Anti-headache pills

Cough and/or cold medicine

Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetylzolamide

Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc. Note: Do not bring sleeping pills as they are a respiratory depressant!

Water purification tablets or water filter

1 set of earplugs

Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies

Practical Items

1 small roll of repair tape, 1 sewing-repair kit

1 cigarette lighter, 1 small box of matches

1 compass or GPS(optional)

1 alarm clock/watch

1 digital camera with extra cards and batteries

Large Ziplocs

2 water bottles (1 liter each)

1 small folding knife

Binoculars (optional)

4 large, waterproof, disposable rubbish sacks

Toiletries

1 medium-sized quick drying towel

Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)

Multi-purpose soap (preferably biodegradable)

Deodorants

Nail clippers

Face and body moisturizer

Female hygiene products

Small mirror

Personal Hygiene

Wet wipes (baby wipes)

Tissue /toilet roll

Anti-bacterial hand wash

Extras/Luxuries

Reading book

Trail map/guide book

Journal and pen

iPod

Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble, playing cards (to help you pass the time at teahouses and/or camps)

1 modest swim suit

Binoculars (optional)

Voltage converter (from 220 to 110 ampere)

Plug adapter (2 round pegs to 2 flat pegs)

Lightweight pillow case (in case your teahouses provide you with pillows) or use your own stuff as a pillow

Cancellation Policy

Policy Regarding Cancellation / NO SHOW / EARLY DEPARTURE
In the event of cancellation of tour / travel/Trekking services – due to any avoidable / unavoidable reason, you must be informed in writing. Cancellation charges would be effective from the date we receive advice in writing and cancellation charges would be as follows:-

Before 60 days – No cancellation charge.
From 60 days to 45 days – 5% of the total tour / service cost
From 45 days to 15 days – 10% of the total tour / service cost
From 15 days to 07 days – 15% of the total tour / service cost
From 07 days to 02 days (48 hrs) – 30% of the total tour / service cost
From 48 hours to arrival or NO SHOW – NO REFUND

Peak permit fee once issued not refunded.

In case you cancel the trip after commencement, refund would be restricted to a limited amount, which too would depend on the amount that we would be able to recover from the hoteliers/contractors we patronize. For unused hotel accommodation, chartered transportation & missed meals etc. we do not bear any responsibility to refund.